All eyes on Ricardinho on the futsal pitch

Portuguese futsal player Ricardinho is known as the best in the world, with him and Club HDC claiming victory in the Club Maldives Cup's first match.

The match marked a special day for Maldivian football, where people from Male' and Hulhumale' gathered at Rehendhi Turf despite the rain to watch Ricardinho play on Monday night.

Ricardinho, 40 has played in the 2018 Euro's and the 2021 FIFA World Cup for Portugal, having won both tournaments. He was also named the best player in the 2021 FIFA World Cup.

Ricardinho has retired from professional futsal and is the all-time top scorer in both the EUFA Euro's and EUFA's club tournaments.

"I will watch Ricardinho play even in the rain," said Affan Ahmed (Appi), Co-Founder and Managing Director at Sidibari media. 

HDC won their game against STELCO Recreation Club with a score of 2-1 and even though Ricardinho didn't score a goal, his magic shone through on the field. Buru Sports Club's Egyptian midfielder Khalil Gamal scored the first goal with an assist from Ricardinho.

STELCO equalized with three minutes left in the game, with the game being scored by New Radiant Defender Ahunaf Rasheed (Ahukko). Ahunaf stated that it brings him joy to play against Ricardinho and put a goal on the board.

HDC's Hussain Shareef (Only) scored in the last minute and was assisted by Abdulla Shafeeu (Shaappe), securing their win.

"Who would honestly think that a world famous futsal king would come to play in Maldives? It is quite satisfying. It brings me great joy to play against and score against Ricardinho. I went onto the pitch with the hope that I would score as well. But it is sad that the team didn't win," said Ahunaf.

HDC's coach is former futsal player of fame, Mohamed Liyal. He stated that it makes him happy to coach Ricardinho and it will be a great opportunity to learn from him as well.

"I am learning a lot from him. The part that brings me the most joy is that Maldivian futsal players will now have the opportunity to learn a lot," said Liyal.

Ricardinho turned 40 years old while he was training with HDC to get ready for the games. Team Captain Yaamin Mohamed (Yaantey) highlighted that Ricardinho's work ethic was fueling everyone on the team.

"Ricardinho's mentality encourages our players greatly. When our players see that Ricardinho continues to work hard at his age and when something bad happens on the field or no matter how tired they get, they don't stop," said Yaamin.

Yaamin said that picking up skills by watching videos of famous players and YouTube players is an easy task. He went on to say that the hard part is adopting the mentality those players have on the field.

"Getting the chance to work with him and shape our mentality are important factors when it comes to the progression of all our players," said Yaamin.

Man of the Match Shareef also said that Ricardinho is the reason Maldivian players will develop further.

"This is an opportunity to further improve our playing. We're learning more on how to play as a team by learning how to move as a team," said Shareef.

"It is quite easy to play with Ricardinho, he explains a lot on the field as well."